U.S. President Donald Trump has called on all countries that are members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to withdraw from the institution, describing it as a “rogue” and “out of control” body.
Trump made the call on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The U.S. president said Washington would not allow American military personnel or others to be subjected to what he described as “show trials” by what he called an “anti-American tribunal” without jurisdiction over the United States.
“I call on all nations that are members of the ICC to officially resign from this rogue institution immediately,” Trump said.
He also used his address to raise the issue of persecution of Christians around the world, saying Christians were being persecuted in different parts of the world.
Trump criticised what he described as the international community’s focus on U.S. immigration policies and domestic issues while, in his view, insufficient attention was being given to atrocities and the persecution of Christians.
He further criticised UN human-rights officials over their positions on U.S. immigration enforcement and transgender-related policies.
Trump’s remarks form part of his broader criticism of international institutions and his administration’s opposition to the ICC’s jurisdiction over U.S. nationals. Reuters reported that the Trump administration has also been pursuing measures aimed at isolating the court.
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